The SA Senate Social Justice Committee is partnering with the Social Work Club at Southern Adventist University to conduct a “Self-Care Day” on Dec. 3, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
On the promenade there will be hot chocolate, cider and food served, as well as a coloring table. Massage therapists and aromatherapy stations will be set up in buildings across campus. Additionally, there will be a prayer wall in the Student Center available for the campus to come take a moment and pray.
“We feel like mental health is super important for all university campuses to advertise,” said Alexis Jones, senior English major and social justice committee member. “It’s essential to bring awareness to the fact that students are stressed out and have more going on than just school.”
The “Self Care Day” is strategically placed before finals week because the two groups recognize that finals week is generally a highly stressful time for students. There are many tests, projects and assignments that need to be completed.
“We wanted to promote mental health because if you aren’t functioning well, it’s hard for you to perform well in school,” Jones said.
When it came to access to mental health, Tennessee ranked number 42 out of the 50 states by Mental Health America (MHA).
“I’m excited for the self care day,” said sophomore nursing major Kelly Quintiana. “There is so much that goes on at the end of the year for students, and a lot of times we forget to take a second to breathe. We’re so focused on taking care of everything else, that we forget to take care of ourselves.”
The event strategically holds many different available options for students to experience, so that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the activities that suit them best.
“People cope in different ways, and that’s what we’re trying to promote,” Jones said.